Shivakumara Swamiji

Shivakumara Swami (born Shivanna; 1 April 1907 – 21 January 2019)^[5] was an Indian humanitarian, spiritual leader, educator and supercentenarian. He was a Lingayatism religious figure. Swami joined the Siddaganga Matha in 1930 Karnataka and became head seer in 1941.^[6] He also founded the Sri Siddaganga Education Society.^[7] Described as the most esteemed adherent of Lingayatism (Veerashaivism),^[8] he was referred to as Nadedaaduva Devaru (walking God) in the state.^[2] In 2015, Swami was awarded by the Government of India the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award.^[2]